REMINGTON 870 LW 20 GA RECEIVER W/ 21″ BARREL
Remington 870 LW 20 Gauge Receiver with 21″ Barrel
So you want a true lightweight 20 gauge 870, not a 20 gauge barrel bolted onto a 12 gauge frame. This is it. A genuine Remington 870 LW receiver, scaled specifically for 20 gauge. Paired with a 21 inch barrel. This is a complete, serialized firearm.
This is the real Lightweight 20 gauge platform, not a parts mismatch. First, Remington introduced the true 20 gauge LW receiver in 1972, built on the same smaller frame size used for 28 gauge and .410 bore models since 1969. Next, that scaled-down receiver actually reduces the gun’s overall weight, not just the barrel. Finally, since this is a complete receiver, it ships through your licensed FFL dealer, the same as any other firearm.
Is this a complete firearm requiring FFL transfer?
Yes. So this matters before you order. This is a serialized 870 receiver, legally considered a firearm. Therefore, it ships only to your local FFL dealer, who handles the transfer paperwork. You cannot have this shipped directly to your home.
Will standard 870 parts fit this receiver?
Some will, but not all 20 gauge parts are interchangeable. So this is genuinely important to understand. Older 20 gauge 870s, made before the late 1970s, were built on the larger 12 gauge-sized receiver. Therefore, parts for those older, full-size 20 gauge guns will not correctly fit this true Lightweight receiver. Always confirm you’re sourcing LW-specific parts, not standard 12-gauge-frame 20 gauge parts, when servicing this gun.
Why does receiver size matter on a 20 gauge 870?
REMINGTON 870 LW 20 GA RECEIVER W/ 21″ BARREL Real weight savings, not just a smaller bore. So before 1972, 20 gauge 870s used the same receiver size as the 12 gauge guns, just chambered differently. Also, that meant the gun didn’t actually save much weight despite the smaller gauge. Therefore, Remington’s true Lightweight receiver, scaled down specifically for 20 gauge and smaller bores, delivers a noticeably lighter, more nimble shotgun.
What can I expect from a 21 inch barrel on this platform?
REMINGTON 870 LW 20 GA RECEIVER W/ 21″ BARREL A nimble, fast-handling Gun well suited to close cover. So a 21 inch barrel is commonly found on youth and compact-length 870 configurations. Also, shorter barrels typically swing faster through brush or tight blinds, though some shooters report slightly tighter patterns from longer barrels at extended range. Therefore, this length suits hunters prioritizing handling speed over maximum pattern density at distance.
Will my 12 gauge 870 stock fit this REMINGTON 870 LW 20 GA RECEIVER W/ 21″ BARREL
Not without modification. So 12 gauge stocks were designed for the larger, 12-gauge-sized receiver historically used on some older 20 gauge guns. However, since the late 1970s, smaller gauges use this scaled-down receiver, requiring stock modification to fit a stock built for the larger frame. Therefore, source stock components built specifically for the LW-sized receiver whenever possible.
Specs Table
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Receiver Status | Serialized firearm; FFL transfer required |
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Receiver Type | Lightweight (LW), scaled-down frame, introduced 1972 |
| Barrel Length | 21″ |
| Receiver Material | Milled steel billet (per Remington’s standard 870 receiver construction) |
| Parts Compatibility | LW-specific 20 gauge parts only; NOT interchangeable with older 12-gauge-sized 20 gauge 870 parts |
| Action Type | Pump-action, twin action bars |
| Best For | Upland hunting, close-cover hunting, lightweight field carry |
| Weight | verify |
| Choke System | verify (Rem Choke screw-in system introduced for 20 gauge starting 1987) |
| Price | $300 |
| Round Count Tested | verify |
FAQ
Is this receiver a complete firearm requiring FFL transfer? Yes. This is a serialized 870 receiver. It must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer.
Will parts from an older 20 gauge 870 fit this receiver? Not necessarily. Older 20 gauge 870s before the late 1970s used a larger, 12-gauge-sized receiver. This true LW receiver requires LW-specific parts.
What does “LW” mean on a Remington 870? Lightweight. It refers to the scaled-down receiver size Remington introduced for 20 gauge in 1972, based on the smaller frame already used for 28 gauge and .410 bore.
Can I use a 12 gauge 870 stock on this receiver? Not without modification. The LW receiver is smaller than the 12-gauge-sized frame, so 12 gauge stocks require fitting work to mount correctly.
Is a 21 inch barrel good for hunting? Yes, especially in close cover or brush. Shorter barrels generally swing faster, though some shooters prefer longer barrels for slightly tighter patterns at extended range.
Does this receiver accept Rem Choke screw-in chokes? Verify with the specific barrel, since Remington introduced 20 gauge Rem Chokes starting in 1987. Earlier barrels may use fixed chokes instead.
What gauge shells can I shoot through this gun? 20 gauge specifically. Always check your exact barrel’s chamber length (2-3/4″ vs. 3″) before selecting shells.
Find more genuine Remington 870 receivers and 20 gauge parts at gunpartspalace.com.
